CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY OR REGION

AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST, AND INDIA

ASIAN PACIFIC

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND PUERTO RICO

header background image
23rd June 2025

WATCH: The Penicillin cocktail made by Rico!

We’re back! That’s right, it’s time for a new season of Absolut Drinks with Rico. And in this first episode, we’re not holding back! Rico shows you how to make none other than the Penicillin! 

The Penicillin cocktail is a modern classic that was created in New York in 2005 by a legendary Australian bartender living in New York. The bar itself was one of the most influential bars of the 21st. century. 

Is the Penicillin a popular drink? 

Yes, you could say that! Since its invention in the early 2000s, the Penicillin cocktail quickly became one of the most popular drinks in bars all around the world.  

In fact, in 2024, the Penicillin cocktail is said to be the 11th most commonly ordered cocktail at bars worldwide. 

But hey, you don’t need to go to a bar to enjoy a Penicillin cocktail. As Rico demonstrates, it’s actually an easy to make cocktail at home. So, if you want to wow your friends, you gotta make this one. 

So, what does a Penicillin cocktail taste like? 

It was inspired by the Gold Rush, another drink created by the same Aussie bartender living in New York. By extension, you could also say the Gold Rush is similar to a Whiskey Sour. 

The Penicillin cocktail is made with Blended Scotch, Ginger Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup and a hint of Peated Single Malt Islay Whisky. Intriguing, huh? 

Rico? “It’s light and fresh. There’s some smokiness from the Peated Single Malt Islay Whisky, a little bit of fieriness from the Ginger, and the Scotch Whisky that brings it all together,” says Rico.  

Hot tip! To perfect your Penicillin cocktail, choose the best Ginger Liqueur you can afford. “Choose something with a little bit of punchiness and something that has a strong Ginger flavor,” shares Rico. Trust us, the flavor of Ginger really comes through in this drink, so make sure you choose a Ginger Liqueur you really enjoy. 

Now grab your shaker, hit play and get mixing! 

—-  

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to Absolut Drinks on YouTube so you never miss a drink!

EDITOR’S CHOICE

A group of people enjoying absolut cocktails Culture & Creativity

Absolut: Born to Mix – Uniting Dance and Cocktail Culture

In our latest global initiative, Born to Mix, we blend the worlds of dance and mixology.   Here, we celebrate the powerful connection between dance and cocktails, highlighting their shared creative…

Jun 5, 2025

Read more
Trendy cocktail bar Tjoget in Södermalm, Stockholm, featuring a warm and cozy interior with hanging lights, shelves of premium spirits, and guests enjoying drinks — one of the best bars in Stockholm and a popular nightlife destination. Culture & Creativity

Bars Worth Visiting – Inside One of the World’s Best Bars – Tjoget

“What are some of the best bars in the world?” If you’re like us and you’re passionate about cocktails, you’ve definitely pondered this question. And the conclusion we’ve come to…

Oct 20, 2025

Read more
A bottle of Absolut Citron on a marble table together with three cocktails including a Cosmopolitan Cocktails & Mixology

The 10 Most Popular Vodka Cocktails of 2025

Thanks, 2025! You’ve been full of unforgettable moments, awesome memories, and epic celebrations! But before we say goodbye to 2025, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 most…

Dec 31, 2025

Read more

Enjoy Responsibly. Do not forward to anyone under legal drinking age.